How to: Connect shapes in viflow
In viflow there are four different ways to connect viflow objects with a connector (information object) on a graphic (e.g. process graphic). The different methods offer different advantages, depending on the modeling procedure. We would like to show you the individual connector methods here.
1. Connect viflow objects with the information shape from the viflow stencil
You can use the master Shape Information (Connector) from the viflow stencil to model the connectors. To do this, left-click the shape Information (Connector), hold down the button and drag the shape onto the drawing page so that it docks to a viflow object. Then connect the end point of the connector to the second viflow object.
2. Set connector via the "Connector" tool
The connector tool [CTRL + 3] can be used to drag connectors in viflow from one viflow object to another. The connector tool is located in the Graphic tab – Tools – Connectors.
3. Set connector via "Connect shapes" tool
With the Connect Shapes function, several viflow objects can be connected at the same time. Select all viflow objects in the order in which they are to be connected. Then click Connect Shapes in the Graphic tab – Tools.
4. Automatically connect viflow objects
Another way to connect shapes is to connect them automatically when you add shapes to a graph. This is especially handy when creating a flowchart.
- Make sure that AutoConnect is active. On the View tab, in the Visual Aid group, check that the AutoConnect check box is selected.
- Drag a shape from the Stencil onto the drawing sheet. Hold the mouse pointer over the shape until the AutoConnect arrows appear around the shape.
- Click the mouse pointer on the arrow in the direction you want to add a shape.
Tip: Displaying the connection points can be very helpful for modeling the connectors. Select the option in the View tab – Visual Support – Connector Points if you want them to be displayed in the shapes.
The Move Connector tool in the Graphics tab – Tools can be used to move, delete and also add connection points by holding down the [CTRL] key.
5. Are the shapes correctly connected to each other?
Check connection via connection points
Via the color of the connection points you can check if you have connected two viflow objects correctly.
Check via the process description
Alternatively, you can also perform the check with the Description report in viflow. Here you can trace the predecessor/successor relationship.
